Latest On Lance Berkman, Astros

The Astros agreed to signCarlos Pena today, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the mix for free agent first baseman Lance Berkman. That said, Berkman might not be playing for any MLB team in 2013.

Berkman told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that he’s still undecided about whether he’ll play in 2013 (Twitterlinks). He’s intrigued about the possibility of spending more time with his family and helping coach the Rice baseball team. The Astros are open to bringing Berkman back and other clubs are interested, Rosenthal reports.

Berkman recently met with Astros owner Jim Crane, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter links). At this point the switch hitter seems to be a "backburner issue" for the Astros, according to Heyman.